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By Joe Buscaglia

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Watkins v. Evans: Bills' Whaley weighs in

by Joe Buscaglia,posted Apr 25 2014 11:39AM

Before the Buffalo Bills' acquisition of wide receiver Mike Williams, a hot debate topic was the merits of drafting Clemson's wide receiver Sammy Watkins versus Texas A&M wide receiver Mike Evans with the ninth overall pick. Two prospects with two different ways that they play the game, the argument centered around what would be best for the Bills.

However, since Williams, Robert Woods and Stevie Johnson make up the top three on the team, wideout has shifted into the rearview mirror a bit. A chance still remains that the Bills could go for a wide receiver if the board falls in a certain way, so which would it be if they had their way?

"Watkins is a playmaker. He is a guy that plays bigger than his measurables. He's got speed, he's got run after catch and he's got great ball skills," he said. "And one of the things is when you watch him catch the ball, he is always plucking the ball out of the air with his arms extended, so he's not letting it get into his body. So that's why we feel he plays bigger than that 6-1 measurement that he has."

Then Whaley discussed the prospects of Evans.

"Evans is a different creature. He's a size guy, he's 6-5, he's got 35-inch arms and he jumps 37 inches," he remarked. "So it's one of those guys that can just dominate just on physical traits alone. But another thing that he brings to the table that's very good is his ability to go up and attack the ball in the air. You can have some guys that are 6-5, but if they don't attack the ball in the air, they're playing like they're 6-foot. But he plays more like he's 6-5, 6-7."

So which of those two differing playing styles might the Bills be more apt to go after? It's really just a matter of the preference of the team.

"It's one of those things where each has a different skill set," Whaley said. "Sammy is going to be more explosive and more dynamic getting in and out of the cut. And Evans is gonna be a guy that's gonna use his size and position, and his height to be successful in this league. Two different styles, but I think both have a chance to be successful in this league."